I’ve been aware of Linux for a long time as an alternative to Microsoft Windows but only installed it a few years ago when I was looking to experiment with a telephone server.

My encounters with it since have been more frequent and now that I am in a position to upgrade XP to Vista I intend to abandon Bill’s new OS (that I’ve heard little good about) and switch over to Linus’s alternative.

The purpose of this post is to highlight the reasons for the migration and to give food for thought to whoever may be considering the switch.

More Secure. Viruses are VERY rare on Linux systems, security built in.

We’ll discuss the above in more detail later on.

Background I grew up on Microsoft products. I entered the world of Windows with version 3.1 that needed a parallel installation of MS DOS in order to run. Over the years, ‘Compatible with Windows’ was plastered over software packaging everywhere.

Bill Gates has enjoyed a monopoly for many years but I sense that times are changing and that the Open Source community has delivered software that is giving Microsoft (and other proprietary operating systems) a run for their money. Finally Linux is reaching beyond the technophile to the average computer user and complete neophyte.

Versions of Linux such as Ubuntu (discussed later) have made the transition relatively easy, employing the familiar desktop GUI prevalent in Windows systems with ubiquitous start button menu. This distribution is so on par with user requirements that computer retailers such as Dell have recently started selling systems with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed, saving the customer the additional cost of the Windows operating system.

Free/Open SourceI completely agree with the idea that software should be freely downloadable, usable and modifiable. The nature of open source means that it is not only free to obtain but free of proprietary restrictions.

Although Linux get’s it’s name from Linus Torvalds who wrote a primary component of the operating system (the kernel), the majority of the software has been collaboratively written by open source programmers around the world. These generous people donate their time and effort towards something that benefits millions of people for no monetary benefit. The fruits of their labour can be downloaded and used for free without registration and nag screens.

AlternativesThe open source community provides alternatives to Windows software that have a thriving and growing community of developers and users.

I’ve listed some of my daily activities below together with the software I currently use for the task on Windows. Next to these I’ve displayed free Linux counterparts1 that I intend to use when I migrate. :

Windows/Legacy CompatibleFor those of you that are practically welded to your Windows programs there is a solution for you too. It’s called WINE. …no, I’m not suggesting you drown your sorrows, WINE is an (yes you guessed it, free) open source implementation of the Windows API that, once installed, enables Windows software to happily run on Linux… and for those that are wondering, no, it’s not an emulator. WINE runs Windows applications in essentially the same way Windows does. There is no inherent loss of speed due to “emulation” nor is there a need to open WINE before running your application.

What about device drivers?
All my devices have Linux equivalent drivers that are readily downloadable. Manufacturers websites will usually list the Linux driver alongside the Windows version.

UniversalIn Linux, there are two ways to do a single task. One is using a command line and the other is via the Graphical User Interface (GUI) akin to Microsoft Windows. It’s up to the user how they would like to carry out tasks. For the Geeks amongst us the command line may appeal, for those of us the just want to point and click (akin to Windows) that’s ok too! Linux provides a fit for both Technophiles and Technophobes. Multi-languages are also catered for.

SecurityLinux has always come with a great security framework built in. It’s robust permissions system provides security for individuals as well as groups of individuals. In terms of Viruses, there are relatively none compared to Windows, From Scott Granneman, SecurityFocus, Linux vs. Windows Viruses:

a Linux-based Virus would fizzle out quickly. Windows is an inviting petri dish for viruses and worms, while Linux is a hostile environment for such nasties.

UbuntuUnlike Microsoft Windows, Linux comes in many flavours (distributions). The distribution I’ve chosen to migrate to is Ubuntu. I’ve chosen this because it has a VERY active community and rave reviews. I currently have a server installation which has been extremely stable for the last year.

Ubuntu Screenshots

If you want to try out Ubuntu without installing it you’ll be pleased to hear that it can run straight from a CD without setup (choose to ’start’ Ubuntu instead of installing). This will allow you to play around with the Operating System before deciding to install it permanently. Bear in mind that applications will run slow from the CD, however once it’s installed to the hard drive… well, it runs faster than my Windows installation.

And so…I intend to switch in the next month or so. I know I’m going to be very fond of my new OS due to the positive experience I’ve had to date. I love the idea of running on totally open source/free software.

I hope this post has given you something to think about. If you are in the middle of upgrading your system(s), or starting a business and are worried about software costs this may be the ideal solution, or maybe you’re just curious to try out something new; grab a free copy of Ubuntu Desktop from the Ubuntu Website and give the Live CD option a spin2, no installation necessary. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised as I was.

Notes1 These are a handful of alternatives, to see a more extensive list of what’s on offer visit the Linux Alternative Project website that lists popular software alternatives on the Linux Platform.2 If you want a very basic book to help you get up an running, I recommend Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 2nd Edition: A Pain-Free, Project-Based, Get-Things-Done Guidebook.

15 Responses to “Byebye Microsoft, Hello Linux”

Although I do not agree with everything you wrote, especially the driver part can still be painful in case you have exotic hardware, I appreciate the switch you plan to do. Every new Linux user means that the community is growing and industry support will get better with that.

I installed Ubuntu two years ago on my Laptop, made every upgrade (each half year) without any problems. I switched to KDE (Kubuntu) after some time for different reasons again without re-install or difficulties.

All taken together, the Laptop works like on the first day and I can really concentrate on what I want to do when using it, instead of having to worry about what funny worm is travelling the internet at the moment. Of course you would have to apply security patches as they are released, otherwise Linux is nothing more secure than any other unpatched operating system.

Two more suggestions for programs I use with growing pleasure: liferea (a RSS client, which does exactly what it is supposed to) and amarok (a great media player and for me the main reason to switch to KDE).

First of all thanks for your comments and I’m glad we agree on some things

The drivers that I need are available and I’ve tested them to be working, that’s why I mention that ‘My’ devices have Linux equivalent drivers. I do appreciate that not everyone will find the drivers they need so it would be best to look for Linux counterparts if people are considering the switch.

With regards to security, I agree that you should keep it regularly updated with the latest patches. Linux connects and checks for these as Windows does.

Thanks for the program recommendations I am getting good vibes from KDE users and may consider Kubuntu when I come to install.

With me the biggest problem was leaving behind Windows games Good thing I have two PCs.

Ubuntu is a good choice, it’s what I use on my laptop and upgrading to the current version is relatively painless. Except for the games (and lots can be played on Ubuntu, ‘apt-get wine’ is my friend) I don’t miss the transition at all.

After using many operating systems over the years, it has become apparent to me that operating systems themselves mostly do not matter. It is the software and hardware support that matters.

In the case of Linux, there is a myriad of open source software (especially with regards to software development). Hardware support is usually good too, unless you use some really obscure recent hardware with windows-only drivers.

In the case of Mac OS X, the hardware support is great since it is specifically designed for whatever Mac you buy it with. And there is a decent selection of software bundled in with the OS too, which is nice. And of course one cannot forget the straight forward “drag and drop” method of installing self-contained applications.

In the case of Windows, there is great hardware support (though newer versions like to drop support for legacy hardware). And there is a decent selection of software.

I have actually been using Ubuntu’s Gutsy Gibbon on my Macbook recently, and have been amazed at the level of hardware support. More or less everything works out of the box, although there are a few rough patches here and there (e.g. dodgy default trackpad config).

I too migrated to Linux, in fact the whole company did for about a year and we are happy so far. Linux gave me power and flexibility that I couldn’t imagine on Windows and that too for free. I use NFS, NIS, Bind, Postfix, Apache HTTPD, NTPD and more in addition to what you mentioned.

I have started just like you with Windows 3.1 (Oh boy what a load of crap that was and how great it was at the same time!)
Just like you I have come to the point where I’m slowly starting to leave Windows. It has been a bumpy ride for me and things are not always so easy, so I’m curious: How did work out for you?

I’ve been thinking of switching to Ubuntu, and already have Gutsy on dual-boot with Windows XP. Upgrading to Vista is useless (XP is better for me), and Ubuntu has been charming for me.

I’m a geek, so Terminal it is. The only problem right now is that my wireless internet card is not working (EVDO), and the hacks that I’ve seen around just don’t seem to work. Maybe submitting some reports for Hardy’s devs will help.

Retired a few years ago, lost my Window licensing privileges with former employer at that time, and had to go out and fend for myself. Decided to try Ubuntu, the free operating system most often favorably mentioned on the web. WOW! old box speeded up! no more blue screens of death, no insulting licensing B.S. and it worked way beyond expectations! I had to dig around on the net for operation manuals but found them to be written in human English that I could easily understand. Glad I did it!

I switched after Vista ate the boot sector for the third time. My laptop works perfectly, with the exception of usb support dying when I plug my MP3 player in, but that’s quite easy to fix. No reboot necessary… simply unload/reload the USB module in the kernel. Anyway, my entire department at work is slowly making the switch. Kinda makes me wonder why we don’t support Linux officially… .

After dual booting XP/Ubuntu and Vista/Ubuntu I decided to junk Vista and go with Linux Mint, which is actually much better than Ubuntu (on which it’s based). No HAL error for one thing.
I also have OpenSUSE 11 on another machine just in case.
Games aside, Mint will do everything Vista can do without the antimalware circus following behind.
Highly recommended.